Early Sunday morning, July 11, 2021, Father Joe Carroll was taken by his Creator to enter into his eternal reward.

Joe and I first met 57 years ago as young men at St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo, California. We were studying to be priests for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

After four years of discernment, events led both of us to leave that pursuit. Two years later, Joe had a change of heart and ultimately was ordained in 1974.

Fr. Joe’s legend that evolved over the next four-plus decades is unparalleled in the history of the Catholic church.

Many months ago, my wife and I sat in his home (which was across the street from Father Joe’s Villages) and reminisced about years gone by. Diabetes led to both his feet being amputated a few years back, but you never heard a complaint from Joe.

Joe and I stayed in touch over the years, and I often marveled at his devotion to the poor and homeless. The photo above was our last lunch together. My wife, son and two of Father Joe’s staff joined us.

You can read the stories devoted to Joe’s life and legacy published today in the San Diego Union-Tribune and the Times of San Diego.